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Exploring the Arches at Little Corona del Mar

Newport Beach, California

4.9/5
based on 16 reviews

Description

Added by Tiffany Nguyen

Secluded beach in Orange County with a shoreline of rocks and tide pools that make for a stunning foreground. Short hike to find Cliff Island, one of the best and most unique local spots to catch the sunset through the rocky arch. Diverse sea life such as fish, crabs, star fish, and sea anemones can be found in the many tide pools along the shore. Free street parking easily accessible.

Little Corona del Mar Beach is a secluded beach located on Poppy Avenue across Ocean Boulevard in Corona del Mar. Known as one of the less crowded beaches in the area, this spot is the perfect place to chill for the day or photograph a sunset. You will find plenty of free street parking in the nearby residential area. Unlike many beaches in Orange County, this one mercifully doesn’t involve stairs. It’s just a short walk down the ramp to the beach. Here you’ll find numerous tide pools with abundant life; be sure to check when low tide is in order to get the most out of your visit.

When you first walk down the ramp off Poppy Avenue, you’ll see this stunning beach to your left hand side. You’ll be able to see Arch Rock in the distance as well. To get to the other arch at Cliff Island, you’ll need to walk south along the rocky shoreline during low tide. Be sure to wear water shoes or shoes with good traction as the rocks can be really slippery. After a short 15 minute hike down the coastline, you’ll see Cliff Island and find the stunning arch formation within it. Many visitors will climb this rock formation and cliff jump. For the less daring, photographing this spot during sunset is just as epic.

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Swimming
Hiking
Beach
Scenic
Cliff Jumping

Reviews

This is a great spot to come to watch the sunset and shoot some photos. It's always fun exploring the pools and surrounding area

Came here on a Tuesday evening during a trip out this way and it was fantastic. Its great during sunset if you're looking for photography opportunities!

It’s beautiful during sunset and it’s extremely relaxing. I prefer to go to the beach to swim on a weekday since weekends are usually full with children and families.

If you're looking for a dreamy place to take sunset pictures... this is it. Although it is not walking distance, pair this outing with a walk around Balboa Island (and a Balboa Bar of course) and you have the perfect night.

I discovered this place and will definitely be coming back. It's one of those hidden gems. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes because there's a bit of sharp rocks you have to hike on.

Went cliff jumping here once and it was awesome! You definitely need to watch the tides because we had a rough time getting back after the water had risen. Great photos at low tide!

I couldn't access this arch because I arrived too late it's already dark but I did shoot around it. It's amazing, definitely bring couple filters with!

I come here often to shoot portraits because the rocks and tide pools provide a lot of variety. Haven't been cliff jumping yet but I will probably go soon.

Beautiful scenery, and the cutest little caves! Great for a little exploring trip, definitely try to go at low tide so those waves don't get you on the rocks haha also I didn't see the cave from the main picture only the other three? 8/10

Came late afternoon (timed for low-tide) and walked down the (longish) ramp. There are bathrooms halfway down (pretty clean) and little rise off showers. Great little beach for exploring tide pools with kiddos. We saw tons of hermit crabs and a starfish! The larger of the tide pools were also warmed up enough for kids to paddle in (we were there in March, ocean temp was about 60 degrees.) The views of the arches were great. It was a perfect little afternoon! Free parking on Ocean Ave right off Poppy.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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